Something fun we’ve started doing this year are month-long running challenges — in May and July, we came together and set individual goals for our running for the month (in my case, 100 miles) and kept in touch every day in the Chat section of the Substack app, sharing our progress. It was a really fun way for me to stay motivated, and I heard from a number of you that you loved the inspiration and the motivation too — a couple of you even told me the challenges helped kick-start your running after a long break.
That got me thinking: what are some other 30-day challenges we might do? We had a great discussion on strength training earlier this summer, and I thought that might be a perfect 30-day challenge, as I really need a kick in the pants to get started! We could do anything, though: a month without alcohol, eating only real food/avoiding ultra-processed foods, trying speed training — anything.
What is a 30-day challenge you’d like to try? Any and all ideas are welcome 😃 — Terrell
All these are great challenges and I could benefit from any or all of them. I would add stretching to my strength training or maybe I could just get a good massage lol.
Did a couple of 30-day 10000 steps/day challenges that were a part of the Healthy Living website that AT&T had a couple of years ago ... 5 miles walking/jogging/running with available a conversion table for time spent doing yard work, swimming and other forms of exercise ... no, conversions for blogging and reading blogs were not on this table!
I love the flossing challenge because nobody is devoted enough even though we all know we should. But I'm voting for strength training since 1. Runners seem to shirk that and 2. So do I.
Really great comments. It makes such a difference when you hear/see someone else say “I am or have struggled with X (sugar, carbs, weights, etc). I know we all share some similar challenges, but literally just being reminded of it really makes a difference. I could add the 30 day floss LOL. Teeth health is related to cardio health and cardio is related to fitness and training.
Way back in the 70s, we knew sugar was not good for the human body. I was into Macrobiotics then. You don't see much on that anymore. Read a book called "Sugar Blues" which may not even exist. I did not quite quit cold turkey, but started reading labels and eliminating sugars in the kitchen. Figured out recipes that could use less and less of the sweet stuff. Granulated sugar is still on the shelf, but I seldom use it--with exception of hummingbird food. I guess I'd truthfully have to say it has been gradual as sweeteners are so prolific that it is hard to avoid them. They are still in my diet, but very minimal. It's like cigarettes or alcohol you just have to quit and then develop an awareness of what your body/mind is doing. After awhile it seems natural and the craving stops. . . .have an apple or carrot instead of that Oreo!
O my goodness, I've been procrastinating on strength training for the last two months and really need a kick in the butt! I'd love to adopt that as our next challenge!
to follow-up the strength training, maybe just be active [each can set their own "level"] 6d's/week. Mostly, it seems we're looking for motivation to do so this could allow a wider breath of participants yet still set a realistic goals for all!
Strength training! I really enjoy strength training, but recently have gotten out of the habit (life happens) and it has been sporadic at best. Would love to have this be my own kick in the pants!
I’m all for strength training as well! Let’s do it
All these are great challenges and I could benefit from any or all of them. I would add stretching to my strength training or maybe I could just get a good massage lol.
Floss in the car. Great idea. Thank you
Strength training and flossing sound like worthy goals to me
Some kind of strength-training challenge would be great, even just for some accountability.
Did a couple of 30-day 10000 steps/day challenges that were a part of the Healthy Living website that AT&T had a couple of years ago ... 5 miles walking/jogging/running with available a conversion table for time spent doing yard work, swimming and other forms of exercise ... no, conversions for blogging and reading blogs were not on this table!
I love the flossing challenge because nobody is devoted enough even though we all know we should. But I'm voting for strength training since 1. Runners seem to shirk that and 2. So do I.
Really great comments. It makes such a difference when you hear/see someone else say “I am or have struggled with X (sugar, carbs, weights, etc). I know we all share some similar challenges, but literally just being reminded of it really makes a difference. I could add the 30 day floss LOL. Teeth health is related to cardio health and cardio is related to fitness and training.
Way back in the 70s, we knew sugar was not good for the human body. I was into Macrobiotics then. You don't see much on that anymore. Read a book called "Sugar Blues" which may not even exist. I did not quite quit cold turkey, but started reading labels and eliminating sugars in the kitchen. Figured out recipes that could use less and less of the sweet stuff. Granulated sugar is still on the shelf, but I seldom use it--with exception of hummingbird food. I guess I'd truthfully have to say it has been gradual as sweeteners are so prolific that it is hard to avoid them. They are still in my diet, but very minimal. It's like cigarettes or alcohol you just have to quit and then develop an awareness of what your body/mind is doing. After awhile it seems natural and the craving stops. . . .have an apple or carrot instead of that Oreo!
O my goodness, I've been procrastinating on strength training for the last two months and really need a kick in the butt! I'd love to adopt that as our next challenge!
to follow-up the strength training, maybe just be active [each can set their own "level"] 6d's/week. Mostly, it seems we're looking for motivation to do so this could allow a wider breath of participants yet still set a realistic goals for all!
Strength training, it’s my least favorite thing to do but probably the best thing for “zero” running injuries!
0 Carbs for a month.
Strength training! I really enjoy strength training, but recently have gotten out of the habit (life happens) and it has been sporadic at best. Would love to have this be my own kick in the pants!
Strength-training is a terrific idea.